Leica II Mod. D “Luxus”

This gold-plated Leica II model D with brown waran reptile body-cover and matching gold-plated Elmar 3,5/5cm lens with gold-plated cap is the last Leica “Luxus” ever produced.
Delivered as “Lykup Luxus” in 27 October, 1932, to BAKI & FILS in Tirana, Albania.

The discovery of this—up to date—unknown camera is a sensation. It was found many many years ago at the flee market in France and since then it was in a private collection. The owner just recently discovered to have a genuine “Luxus” in untouched original condition. It is not only the very last “Luxus” camera produced, it is also one of only four of which as Leica model D with built-in rangefinder and interchangeable lenses.

In 1929, the price of the original gold-plated Leica “Luxus” with lizard-skin body-cover was twice the price of a regular version. By 1933, Leica production—in total—had already reached more than 100,000 cameras.

On the other hand, less than 100 gold-plated Leica cameras were completed between 1929 and 1933.

Today the original “Luxus” Leica is one of the most desirable and rare Leica cameras ever.

Literature van Hasbroeck, “Leica, a history illustrating every model and accessory”, p. 66.

Photo credit: © WestLicht Photographica Auction